AFTER a brilliant performance in the National Cup the previous week, a bread and butter league match was poor fare for Barnton.

The first half against one of their closest challengers was quiet but the game exploded into life immediately after the re-start. In Rylands' first attack after the break, they won themselves a penalty after a clumsy challenge by Robinson. Richard Mottram was sent the wrong way from the spot. Things got worse for the home side a minute later. After a mad scramble just outside the box, a challenge involving Steve Davies saw the ball rebound off him and loop over Mottram.

Barnton reacted immediately and were level within eight minutes. Paul Hennin scored both goals and Barnton were now in control. They took the lead on 73 minutes with the goal of the game. Chris Gehgan chested down Dave Murray's pass, left his marker, got to the byline and squared for Hennin to complete his hat-trick. But Barnton were undone when Mottram was beaten in the closing stages.

In Division Two, Christie Forde was again on target but WITTON RES went down 3-1 to Sidac Sports, while LOSTOCK GRALAM were thumped 6-0 at Whitchurch.